THE PROJECT
Cape Jazz or Jazz from the Cape
This project is focused on a genre of music, which many people have fond memories of, but is rarely spoken about today.
This sound draws from a rich history, from the ghoema beat found in the live performances of the Kaapse Klopse, to the screeching horns of American soul, and many more influences from all around the world.
It exists as an incredible melting pot of people, cultures and instruments to make a phenomenon that could only exist in Cape Town.
Our goal with the project was to explore "Cape Jazz", from its origins, to its omnipresent heyday in the late 1900s, to what it looks like now.
In this examination we wanted to explore various topics: who made the music what it is, why was it played, what does it mean and why is it important?
We don't want to answer any questions, but instead show what we have found and open up a discussion.
The rest is up to you.
THE TEAM
LOKI DE PONTES
I am presently a third year Humanities student at the University of Cape Town, studying Digital Media & Informatics. I love writing in-depth journalistic pieces across my many different hobbies and interests, and I have a deep passion for both programming and video editing.
Having lived in Cape Town my whole life, I particularly enjoy topics that relate to home – including our mix of cultures, sports, politics and people. I am always interested in any topic that is close to people's hearts, and try my best to tackle these stories with the utmost respect and care, which is exactly the reason why this project has been so interesting, challenging and fulfilling.
I am a big football fan (Chelsea, unfortunately) and keep up to date with both rugby and the NBA. Much of my free time is spent playing online video games with friends, particularly ones that we hate playing. Otherwise, I enjoy watching films (Letterboxd linked on Instagram) and listening to rap & indie pop, whatever that means.
JOZI HARTY
Hello! I’m a third-year Multimedia & English Lit student, at the University of Cape Town. I spend most of my time consuming media and sometimes I try my hand at producing it too. The Senior Research Project (SRP) displayed on this website is a recent example of this. Hosted here are my recent journalistic efforts. Each allowing a different perspective through which to view the significance of the “Cape Jazz” genre.
My passions and hobbies are primarily creative: drawing, video production, creative writing and reading. My projects are always supported by a soundtrack or two & I’ve always had a close connection to music. This project allowed me to learn about a music genre with a close connection to the place I live in and the people within it, which has made me feel more connected to my city. I am deeply concerned with acknowledging the history of my context, and how our country’s legacy has informed our individual perspectives. Working on a project that explores the intersections of art, culture and history in Cape Town has been deeply fulfilling.
There has never been a dull moment since our SRP group’s conception, with many laughs shared and ideas created. I am grateful to have been in a group so invested in one-another’s ideas and in producing something we can all take pride in. We collaborated on most aspects of our documentary, with my individual focus being videography and editing. My individual projects too would not have been possible without the efforts of our group, and the insights and advice shared by my peers.
WANGA CHARMA
My name is Wanga Charma and I am a 21 year-old student in my final year at UCT studying Media and Multimedia Production.
I’m a huge sports fan and spend most of my time watching football or basketball. If I’m not watching sports I’m on to the sticks or watching anime.
This project was enticing because of my background in music and my interest in history. I’ve been a part of the school choir all throughout my primary and high school years and I consistently participated in school plays. Music was a passion and comfort of mine. History was also my favourite subject in school and was my best subject. I took it all throughout primary and high school and even studied courses in ancient mythology and other classical studies.
This Research Project felt like the perfect combination of my musical and history passion and I was very interested to find out the finer details of the race politics surrounding the genre of Jazz from the Cape.
JUSTIN KEEP
Hey boss, it's me.
Formal stuff out the way first: I'm 21, ending my third and final year of my undergrad as I write this, and have majored in English Literature, Multimedia Production, Historical Studies and Media Theory (against my advisor's wishes). I am pursuing Honours in Media or Historical Studies. Acceptance and decision pending.
I've been big on Jazz since I started stumbling onto vinyl records of it in local charity shops and resell places in my young stomping grounds of Durban. Of course, by the time I got there all the John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Stan Getz was long gone, so I was left with the deeper, local or very foreign cuts. It got me into Bossa Nova, Japanese Fusion, Cuban Lounge and all number of other pretentious-sounding genres, but most importantly it gave my ear a taste of South African Jazz. Abdullah Ibrahim was amongst that mix.
Thus, when the opportunity came to lend my love for music, photography and interview to a project that looked into Cape Jazz, I launched myself at the opportunity. I was lucky to be joined by three stunning teammates, who were equally enthused and critical of the world of music. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and can't wait to do so again.
I was very glad I got to bring a lot to the table, as I tend to do a little bit of whatever I can get my hands on. Illustration, film or digital photography, videography and editing, music production, short story writing and editing, poetry recitation, and a lot of analogue technology usage. I'm a sucker for tapes at the moment.
If that's not enough for you, feel free to check me out to the right here. I mean the buttons, not the photo.
